Surgical splint for small animals



June 28, 1949. c, T. so "2,474,634

SURGICAL SPLINT FOR SMALL ANIMALS I Filed March 30, 1948 Carl T. MasonINVENTOR.

BY wm Patented 'June 28, 1949 SURGICAL SPLINT FOR SMALL ANIMALS Carl T.Mason, Little Rock, Ark.

Application March 30, 1948, Serial No. 17,975

1 Claim.

This invention relates to an improved splint for use in lieu of a cast.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved light weightsupport which maintains the proper predetermined configuration, whichdoes not splinter, which may be shaped to selected contours and which isrelatively comfortable in use.

Another object of this invention is to provide a light weight metallicsplint including a longitudinal section having 'arcuate walls and anintegral dished portion which is adapted to accommodate the foot of ananimal.

Other objects and novel features will become apparent to those skilledin the art, in following the description of the preferred form .of theinvention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred form;

Figure 2 is a similar view showing the invention in use, and

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 33 ofFigure 2, and in the direction of the arrows.

This invention has been developed to fulfill a number of requirementspeculiar to the treatment of injured small animals, such as dogs andcats.

In certain instances when one or more toes have to be amputated, thepresent invention is of great value to protect these areas during theirhealing. In open carpal joints immobilization by a comfortable appliancesuch as the present invention is of great use both to the animal and thesurgeon.

Mowing machine lacerations frequently occur. At times, the flexor andextensor tendons as well as the metatarsal or metacarpal bones aresevered. Likewise, tin cans and broken bottles present a problem ofsimilar nature. To cope with the injury with a degree of success, thereis required an appliance which can be easily removed for daily dressing.Lacerations of the digital pads and webs are frequent occurrences ingeneral practice. The process of healing is accelerated and the periodof incapacity shortened by a device to keep the pad of the foot fromspreading when weight is placed on the affected area.

The above outlined uses and others require a simplified device whichcould be used in a variety of manners and something which is light,comfortable and which can be applied in a number of cases even withoutanesthetic.

An aluminum splint shaped to fit the plantar and volar surfaces of thelimb, which extend in spoon fashion over the pads and to the middle ofthe medial and lateral aspect of the limb was designed. On the forelimb,it should extend a short distance above the carpal joint; on the hindlimb to the hock joint. In certain cases, such as fractures of theradius, it is necessary that it extend to the elbow joint.

Viewing Figures 1 and 3, there is illustrated a splint composed ofintegral smoothly curved arcuate walls l2 and M respectively. Theperipheral edges of the walls may be supplied with rolled edges l6 iffound desirable.

Integral with the section I0 is a dished portion l8 disposed at an angleto the longitudinal axis of the said section. The section and portioncooperate to form a splint having a spoon shaped appearance.

From the foregoing, a clear understanding of the invention is readilyapparent. However, it is understood that slight changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having described the invention what is claimed as new is:

For use in a cast, a splint including a longitudinal section having'arcuate walls and an integral dished portion, said dished portionadapted to accommodate the foot of an animal and the longitudinalsection adapted to partially encircle a leg of an animal, the dishedportion being disposed at an angle relative to the axis of thelongitudinal section.

CARL T. MASON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

Ellis Sept. 1, 1891

